The Importance of Play-Calling & Scheming

[dukesteer]

In watching three NFL games this week I was struck by the obvious importance of play-calling and strategy.

In the Vikings-Cowboys game, although the Vikings offense was completely over matched by a very talented Cowboys defense, brilliant play calling kept Dallas confused and allowed Minnesota to move the ball very effectively through misdirection and deception. It was a thing of beauty.

Then, Monday night, the completely overmatched Seahawks did basically the same thing although having Russell Wilson behind center is a massive difference-maker. But in essence Seattle handled a superior SF defense with excellent play-calling and scheming.

On the contrary, last night Pittsburgh’s play-calling was terrible. Although it was obvious from early on that their OL could not protect Rudolph, they kept calling slow developing plays. The ineptitude was striking. No deception. Few short passes. Few if any screens. Pittsburgh, with its terrible play-calling, made the situation unbearable for their already struggling QB. It was painful to watch.

My point is that great play-calling can often neutralize a physical disadvantage. That was apparent in the games mentioned above and it certainly applies to college football as well.

 

[HTownBevo]

It’s the same as a pitch sequence in baseball. Keeping the hitter off balance.
Unfortunately it’s hard to recall good offensive play calling within UTs offense in over 10 ye.....a long time

 

[Chinstrap]

Any coach at the college level would understand the importance of playcalling based on what works for their level of talent, that of the opposing team and gametime situations. I think that sometimes they just try to force what they want to work, when it has not been working, because that was the gameplan.

Back in the day (way back) in highschool when we called our on plays our selection was based on down and distance. You checked the yardage marker for that down and picked your best horse. I feel that sometimes OC’s, some of whom have worn burnt orange, have been guilty of a bullheaded approach that was based on “this is what we do in this situation” and it becomes so predictable that the other teams know it is coming. Most consider the boy at OU to be the best play caller in college and he keeps the other team off balance so that his quarterbacks look all world playing catch with wide open receivers. Before he is done NFL rosters might be loaded with his quarterbacks.

All coaches know a ton more than me about offensive football, but some make me wonder if they aren’t a bit more hard headed. They refuse to make any changes from week to week.

 

[Statalyzer]

Unfortunately it’s hard to recall good offensive play calling within UTs offense in over 10 ye.....a long time

Off the top of my head, Applewhite against Oregon State in the 2nd half, or maybe Harsin against UCLA.

 

[LAGA4]

Someone at UT is going to win the Nobel Prize for cloning Brandon Jones.

In watching three NFL games this week I was struck by the obvious importance of play-calling and strategy.

In the Vikings-Cowboys game, although the Vikings offense was completely over matched by a very talented Cowboys defense, brilliant play calling kept Dallas confused and allowed Minnesota to move the ball very effectively through misdirection and deception. It was a thing of beauty.

Then, Monday night, the completely overmatched Seahawks did basically the same thing although having Russell Wilson behind center is a massive difference-maker. But in essence Seattle handled a superior SF defense with excellent play-calling and scheming.

On the contrary, last night Pittsburgh’s play-calling was terrible. Although it was obvious from early on that their OL could not protect Rudolph, they kept calling slow developing plays. The ineptitude was striking. No deception. Few short passes. Few if any screens. Pittsburgh, with its terrible play-calling, made the situation unbearable for their already struggling QB. It was painful to watch.

My point is that great play-calling can often neutralize a physical disadvantage. That was apparent in the games mentioned above and it certainly applies to college football as well.

Good point. These last two staffs have made greg Davis look like a good play caller.

With all the special assistant help we have, there should be a better game plan.